Fireplace



R. 'J. CLARK 'June 4, 1929.

FIREPLACE Filed May 5, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet E //&

June 1.929 R. J. CLARK 1,716,029

FIREPLACE Filed May 5, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I uentor q Bywwlizfl Attorn Patented June 4, 1929.

UNITED STATES 1,716,029 PATENT OFFICE.

ROBERT J. CLARK, OF WHITMANS, WEST VIRGINIA.

FIREPLACE.

Application filed May 5, 1928. Serial No. 275,429.

is a characteristic closure for the entrance to the fire box, which embodies a substantially dust proof closing plate, and a complemental door.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following description and drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a front view of the fragmentary portion of the structure. 4

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view with portions in elevation.

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2, but taken at substantial right angles thereto.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view at a point through the structure just above the damper.

Figure 5 is a top view of an ash collecting opper.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the closure frame.

Referring now to Figure 2, it will be observed that the reference character 7 designates what may be defined broadly as a casing. It may be of metal or brick and as usual it includes a chimney 8, and a fire box 9. Located in the fire box is the improved grate 10. As before stated, instead of being flat, this improved grate is of arcuate form and comprises horizontal bars 11 and 12, connected with transverse arcuate bars 18. These have a desirable curvature so that the grate forms somewhat of a pocket for the rece tion of the fuel. Obviously, a grate of this character, when occupying the position in the fire box shown in Figure 2, will maintain the fuel in a massed formation to prevent undesirable and uneven distribution of the fuel such as occurs with the flat type of grate. As the fuel is burned it is obvious that it will gradually fall down toward the center of the improved grate and maintain a more eflicient combustion and fire.

I next invite attention to the ash collecting and discharging means. This comprises a suitably tapered hopper 14, which is located in the bottom of the fire box just beneath the grate. Connected with this, is a pipe-like chute 15, which is intended to lead down to a suitable point of deposit. For example, an ash collecting receptacle which may be located in the cellar. Now, there is a valve 16, located at the bottom of the hopper to control the discharge of ashes through the chute, and appropriate operating means 17 is provided for operating the valve, the means extending out through the casing to a convenient point for manipulation. I might state, in this connection, that the vertical pipe 18 shown in Figure 3 is a pipe leading to a duplicate grate in the fire place structure at a higher point in the same building. This pipe 18 is connected with the chute and is intended to convey ashes and dust down through the chute from the floor above, for example. In other words, in buildings where the'structure shown here is duplicated, I intend to provide delivery pipes18 for leading down into the chute for obvious reasons.

Above the hopper and grate we find a swingingly mounted damper plate 19, and operating means 20. This damper plate is suflicient in that it is provided with small openings 21, so that it can be closed entirely, yet providing a limited draft.

This is advantageous when banking the fire, and leaving it unattended for a period of time, for example overnight.

Coming now to the improved closure for the fire box, I would invite attention to Figures l and 2. The closure includes a suit able rigidly mounted frame 21 Whose vertical portions are formed with inwardly extending keepers 22. Connected to the keepers are small hooks 23, on a vertical liftable closing plate 24. The lower edge of this plate rests in a channel or groove in a hinged door, 25. The door is of course hinged to the frame and provided with suitable retaining means and rests upon a shelf like extension 26. As is customary, this door is provided with a slide valve 27 and operating means 28, whereby the draft may be regulated. This sort of a closure is advantageous, in that it is substantially dust proof and attractive in appearance.

It is thought that by carefully considering the description in connection with the drawing, a clear understanding of the construction, operation, and advantages of the improved structure will be apparent to persons skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Consequently, a more lengthy descrip tion is regarded unnecessary.

Minor changes in shape, size and rearrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the annexed claim.

I claim:

In a structure of the class described, a fire box front comprising a frame for rigid mounting, said frame being provided with a pair of oppositely located keepers functioning as hangers, a valved door hinged to the frame and having a groove in its upper edge,

and a removable closing plate disposed 1'0 against the frame and having its lower edge seated in the groove and provided with hooks on its inner surface pivotally engaged with said keepers.

' In testimony whereof I affix my signa- 15 ture.

ROBERT J. CLARK. 

